Dr. Mao's Wellness Living: Simple Sinus Problem Solutions

Sunday, 11 Mar 2012, 12:43:00 AM

Dr. Mao Shing Ni

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Dr. Mao Shing Ni

DR. MAO SHING NI

SPECIAL TO THE MIRROR

Many people find they have a hard time with their sinuses when the seasons change. Acute or chronic sinus infections affect about 37 million people in the United States, but here are some practical ideas to help you to relieve your sinus problems.

Allergic Reactions

Recurrent sinus infections are commonly due to persistent allergies or possibly hay fever, if the outbreaks seem to be seasonal. Additionally, many people who are affected by chronic fatigue syndrome have been found to have sinus disease.

Treat the hay fever first and once the allergies subside, the sinus condition will get a break from the incessant inflammation caused by allergic reactions and should improve. You may want to focus on strengthening your immune system as well, to prevent future infections. Here are some tips for clearing up allergies:

• Irrigate your nose with saline (warm salt water) twice daily.

• Reduce the allergy-load on your body by avoiding mucus-producing foods like dairy, wheat, and sugar.

• Take bee pollen supplements and the herb stinging nettle.

• Use an air purifier in your home, as well as in your workspace, if possible.

• Exercise indoors with filtered air.

• Drink eight to 12 glasses of water daily.

If some of those tips do not work for you, you can always try an herbal remedy called Allergy Tamer. This combination of traditional Chinese herbs, including magnolia flower and chickweed root, helps to temporarily relieve nasal congestion, sneezing, itchiness, and watery eyes.

Humming for Sinus Health

Sinus disease is an impairment of normal gas exchange through the sinuses. Recent evidence indicates that you can help prevent or remedy your sinus problems by humming along to the radio or singing your favorite songs.

Studies have shown that humming improves the output of nitric oxide, an indicator of effective sinus function. Additionally, humming is similar to the traditional practice of chanting, by which sound waves draw out positive responses from your body and spirit. For improved airflow and an improved mood, humming is one healthy habit.

Clear Up a Sinus Flare-Up

Easing congestion is beneficial for our longevity odds; we don’t want to deprive the body of oxygen for even a momentary period of time. By using the science of reflexology, we can treat conditions by stimulating certain points on the feet and hands that are linked with specific internal organs.

Reflexology can help you to keep your nasal passages clear during a sinus flare-up. Try this: Hold your left hand in front of you with the palm facing up. Using your right hand, squeeze the base of your little finger and “walk” the thumb and forefinger up to the end of the finger, giving a little squeeze at each step.

Repeat for each of the other three fingers. For the thumb, start at the tip and move toward the base. Then repeat with your other hand.

Sneezing Strategies

Sneezing is a localized reaction of the sinuses to environmental irritants. If you are suffering from severe sneezing, review your surroundings to see if you have specific sensitivities to environmental triggers. Check these first:

• Do you have pets, and are they allowed in the bedroom? If you are experiencing an allergic reaction to pet dander, they should be kept away from the bedroom.

• For 30 minutes before going to bed, open all windows and doors to the bedroom, and aerate the room.

• You may also want to avoid down pillows and comforters and switch to a hypoallergenic detergent to wash your bedding and clothes.

• Drink lots of ginger tea.

May you live long, live strong, and live happy!

Dr. Mao Shing Ni, best known as Dr. Mao is a bestselling author, doctor of Oriental Medicine and board certified anti-aging expert. He has appeared regularly on “Dr. Oz,” “The Doctors,” and “EXTRA.” Dr. Mao practices acupuncture, nutrition and Chinese medicine with his associates at the Tao of Wellness in Santa Monica and Newport Beach. Dr. Mao and his brother, Dr. Daoshing Ni founded Tao of Wellness more than 25 years ago in addition to also founding Yo San University in Marina del Rey. To subscribe to his tip-filled newsletter please visit www.taoofwellness.com. To make an appointment for evaluation and treatment please call 310.917.2200 or you can email Dr. Mao at contact@taoofwellness.com.